29th June We've parked in Kings College Road, from where its a short walk into Ruislip Woods. They are clearly well used and well loved...and rightly so! In a congested part of suburban London, places like this are to be treasured. Memories of wide games and British bulldog come flooding back...as do autumn blackberry picking expeditions, planned like military operations. We used to return home with more blackberries than Mum could reasonably process and lived off jars of Bramble jelly and blackberry and apple pies well into the following winter.
shade
Whipsnade
23rd June A long walk in a hot day...not much more to report. Some good views of the Gade Valley at Great Gaddesden and Hudnall. I think the Gade Valley above Hemel Hempstead is beautiful and, on a hot day like this, it's at its best.
Speen
3rd June A 8.5 mile walk through the woods and fields around Great Hampden. An enjoyable walk with some nice views at North Dean and Bryant's Bottom and plenty of shade from the sun in the woods...typically Chilterns!
Coombe Hill
19th May So, tell the truth now, who avoided the Royal Wedding by going for a walk? Seven years ago David and I escaped whilst Kate and William took their vows. On that day we went for a walk near Parslow's Hillock, Princes Risborough. We tried again today... but once Sue's family get talking...as it was, we left during the sermon, which was the highlight, I hear. In the end, we did return to Princes Risborough, starting at Redland End this time. The unusually late start means we're walking during the heat of the day. The weather is glorious but almost all of this walk passes through the woods and shady tracks between Princes Risborough and Wendover. We discuss how much of the Chilterns is just woods, lanes and farm tracks...and on days like today, its a real blessing!
Berkhamsted Common
11th May A short evening walk. In spite of the dull weather, this walk is a pleasant mixture of Hertfordshire woods and fields and takes in Berkhamsted and Northchurch Commons which overlook the Bulborne Valley. We catch fleeting views of the valley through the branches of some of the most gnarly oaks we've seen for a while. The last of the bluebells brighten the darker corners of the woods...by next week the display will be over for another year.
Cowleaze Woods
5th May It's probably the last 'Bluebell weekend' of the season...and the best! From Christmas Common the route follows a long, gentle descent through Queen Wood, Fire Wood and Longhill Hanging Wood and there are bluebells aplenty. We have the paths to ourselves and, by the time we reach the bottom of the valley, the air is thick with the scent of bluebells and the sunlight and shadows swirl through the heady mix.
Where Angells Tread! 